Annapolis: Maryland’s Biking Capital
If Annapolis’ Bicycle Master Plan ever gets off the drawing board and onto the streets, our capital city could be Maryland’s biking capital.
The thoughtful plan, introduced last week, is the work of the Toole Design Group whose specialty is moving people, have created bike plans across the country, from Washington, D.C., to Seattle, Washington — including Baltimore, Philadelphia, Winston Salem and Asheville.
Envisioned is a cross-city “network of on-street and off-street routes” realized in six years over three phases. The first two years’ projects are easy fixes requiring only paint and signage.
Main Street, Calvert and Cathedral streets, King George Avenue, Bay Ridge and Chesapeake avenues and a bit of Hilltop Lane fall into the first phase.
The plan starts with pathways and street lanes. But it doesn’t stop there: Bicycle sharing stations and parking, safety education for all ages, enforcement and an active website are also part of the plan.
After the plan is reviewed and completed, it goes to the City Council for ratification as part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Of course getting it done takes some money, as well.
Take a look at the plan at http://www.ci.annapolis.md.us/Government/Departments/Transit/BikeAnnapolis/draft.pdf and the map at
http://www.ci.annapolis.md.us/Government/Departments/Transit/BikeAnnapolis/BikeMap1.pdf
You have until July 29 to comment: Iain Banks at [email protected].